2024 - September - Berlin - Tempelhofer Feld - Festival of Giant Kites

The USS Enterprise flies oddly shaped in the steel-blue sky and appears to be caught in a tractor beam. Right next to it, colorful water creatures seem to glide through an invisible sea, and a black-and-white giant snake elegantly weaves in between.

We observed all these fantastic creations not in space or underwater, but on the Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin, under the most beautiful weather.

The area is perfect for events like this, where there is a need for a lot of space. After all, there are 300 hectares available here. The former airport has already been discussed several times regarding potential development. Citizen initiatives have successfully prevented this so far. Thus, this year, the Festival of Giant Kites could once again take place.

Many international kite makers showcase their unique creations here. These are usually painstakingly sewn together during the winter months. In a television report, I saw how this is done: The kite makers dismantle plush toys and use them as patterns, which are subsequently enlarged on the computer. From this, a gigantic flying object is then created using a sewing machine.

There are not that many events where these kites can actually be tried out. One very well-known event takes place in Scheveningen (Netherlands) on the beach. Here, both kites and giant kites are showcased. In Berlin, however, the focus is entirely on the giant kites. The festival is also free of charge, and private individuals can fly their own kites outside of the fenced area for the professionals. There is enough space for everyone.

Speaking of space: We walked to the event from the back side of the Tempelhofer Feld. This way, we avoided the crowd at the main entrance.